UberPool, OlaShare get 15-day extension to comply with ride-sharing rules

Before granting the extension, the transport department, on Friday, seized around 30 cabs that were continuing with ride-sharing servicesET Bureau | February 04, 2017, 12:15 IST

Karnataka government granted a 15-day extension to mobile-based cab aggregators, Uber and Ola, to comply with rules regarding ride-sharing services.

During the period, the aggregators are expected to modify their software in order to withdraw UberPool and OlaShare options.

However, during the same period, they are at liberty to appeal against the ban on ride-sharing services (for which they have to seek a modification of the contract carriage permit, under the Karnataka Motor Vehicle Rules).

Also, in the 15-day period, aggregators are free to continue ride-sharing services.

Transport commissioner MK Aiyappa said: “We will stop enforcement for the next 15 days.During this period, the aggregators have agreed to make necessary changes in their mobile apps. They can also seek to amend the Karnataka Motor Vehicle Rule.“

Before granting the extension, the transport department, on Friday, seized around 30 cabs that were continuing with ride-sharing services. The transport department had warned of action from Friday.

Transport department officials also posed as passengers to pin down cabs that were continuing ride-sharing services on Friday morning.

“We had to do this without causing inconvenience to passengers. So, 10 traffic inspectors were asked to download these mobile-based apps, book a shared-ride and seize the vehicle after dropping the last passenger,“ said joint commissioner (enforcement) J Jnanendra Kumar.

Kumar said they stopped enforcement after both the cab aggregators met transport minister Ramalinga Reddy, seeking an extension of the deadline.